Vermont is a small, beautiful state filled with people whom I consider to be pretty badass. It has some extremes which require that her residents not be faint of heart. I love the passion the people of my state bring - whether it’s continuously braving the weather to get outside and play, being patient with tourists who appear to be driving for the first time, or how they make their love for crafting and adventuring a lifestyle, rather than just an after-work hobby. There so many reasons to be proud of where I was raised, but here are my top 5:

1. Vermonters put up with some crazy weather

For a state known for its skiing, people probably just think I am referring to cold winters. Haha, jokes. Living in the Northeast allows for many trials and triumphs year round regarding the weather alone. The winters in Vermont are what we call: a wildcard. 12 degrees and dumping snow one day, 48 and sunshine the next surely does keep you on your toes. Animals are confused, we’re confused, vegetation is confused, it’s all a mess but you get used to it. Oh it’s raining in February? No worries, Gore-Tex exists for a reason - we’re still going to the mountain. Freezing sleet in late May might cause a lacrosse game to be cancelled in other states, or at least make people scratch their heads in confusion. But in Vermont we just call it weather and the game is going to be played until the end. I’ve met people from other states that were genuinely surprised by the extreme heat and humidity in the summer. Not only does the weather test people's patience, it also destroys the roads - many of which happen to be dirt. So if you’re going to live in Vermont, you’d better have some legitimate tires. Also, get used to mud ruts in the road steering your car for you once the snow melts. Vermont has some crazy weather and you can’t be a wimp if you’re going to call it home. In the words of an old Vermonter I overheard once, “Oh, you don’t like Vermont weather? Just wait a minute.”

2. Vermonters know and love their beer

Do you think beer is a game? Vermonters sure don’t. The state may be small, but the passion for beer is large. The craft beer scene in Vermont is unbelievable. Vermont is currently the state with the highest number of breweries per capita. The beer varieties are vast and delicious. Between fun brew fests and the local beer companies that often sponsor concerts and events, the beer scene in Vermont is very engaging. This really brings together a community of people from all over who love good times and good beer. It is so cool to be able to have so many microbreweries, brewpubs, and craft brewers so accessible in the small state. It really enables you to see/taste the passion and hard work that goes into the process of making a high-quality beverage. It makes you want to support the local breweries you come to love, which promotes a beautiful give and take.

3. Vermonters make and share some unreal food

Vermonters don’t mess around with their food scene either. Listed are a couple reasons why the food in Vermont deserves your attention and appreciation.

Farm to table- The state of Vermont has SO many delicious restaurants, cafes, and diners with the most mindblowing menus and high-quality ingredients. Fortunately, with so many farms around, a lot of restaurants embrace the farm to table relationship. You can find a lot of places that serve local meat and produce, which I consider to be a very special and important aspect of the food culture in the state.

Farmer’s markets- The farmer’s markets around the state are a great example of how decadent the local food is. I am very serious when I say you can truly taste the love. Artisan bread, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, salsas, you name it, Vermonters probably make a mind blowing version of it.

Ben and Jerry’s- Vermont is famous for many different types of food. You may be familiar with the ice cream brand called BEN AND JERRY’S. Yeah, those cool cats went to school in Vermont and started their company in 1978 in a converted gas station. That right there is badass itself, not to mention the fact that it is actually the best ice cream out there. No debate, next subject.

Cheese- If you love cheese (which you should) Vermont will be your heaven. Have you ever tried Cabot cheese? You need to. The cheese made by local Vermont farmers is also SO GOOD. I honestly did not like goat cheese until I tried some made by a local my town. There are so many varieties and different techniques that make the cheese scene abundant and ever-changing.

Maple Syrup- Vermont maple syrup is also famous because it is the best. Not only do I love the taste of Vermont syrup, I love the tradition behind it. It is such a gift to grow up in a state where the food is not only delicious but crafted by people you live amongst and who you know care about the work they are doing.

4. Support Local

Growing up in Vermont, I learned first hand the joy that comes from of buying products from friends and community members who put hard work into a craft they care about. Local artists, farmers, musicians, chefs, sports teams and athletes all receive support from their communities. I’ve been on both sides of supporting local and I can honestly say it is a really contagious energy. The sense of community is such a blessing, I think that local support and unity is a really special thing to experience and be a part of.

5. No Billboards

In 1968, Vermont banned billboards from being allowed to be put up in the state.The anti-billboard law was passed thanks to the help of the legislator at the time, Ted Riehle, in order to preserve the naturally beautiful appearance of the state. I can’t be the only one who thinks that is an incredibly cool law to have, especially in a state as beautiful as Vermont. Rolling green mountains, gorgeous old barns, livestock and winding rivers should be the only thing your eyes see when traveling around Vermont. I am very grateful to live in a state where the legislature cares about the beauty of the environment as much as the people who choose to live there.

VERMONT IS SO COOL. If you’ve never visited, come check it out. The people are friendly, the beer is quality, the food is delicious and there is so much to do. Don’t let the crazy weather deter you from experiencing it all. With a combination of all these aspects, we come to an easy conclusion: Vermont is amazing and Vermonters are badass.